Project Facts
- Skagit County's population has grown by more than 120 percent since I-5 was built in the 1960s.
- On average, 70,000 vehicles per day use I-5 near the College Way Interchange (exit 227).
- Traffic volumes are expected to increase between 30 and 70 percent on I-5 by 2035, with the higher percentage increases between Kincaid Street and George Hopper Road Interchanges.
May 2008
- We will complete the I-5 – Conway to Cook Interstate Master Plan by summer 2008.
- Construction will begin in 2010 on the I-5 – SR 11 Interchange and Josh Wilson Road, a project located within the Master Plan study area.
- We completed a report (pdf 16MB) that outlines the existing and future traffic conditions on the interstate and connected local roads.
Overview
The I-5 - Conway to Cook Interstate Master Plan will analyze current and future traffic conditions on I-5 and make recommendations for improvements to the interstate, including interchanges and connected local roads from SR 534 in Conway (exit 221) to the Cook Road Interchange (exit 232) in Skagit County. The Plan will include a list of short- and long-term improvements to address safety problems and help relieve congestion through the year 2035. Improvements will be implemented as funding becomes available.
Why is WSDOT
looking at ways to improve I-5, including interchanges, and connected local roads in Skagit County?
Skagit County's population has grown by more than 120 percent since I-5 was built in the 1960s. As a result, traffic volumes and congestion have increased, as has the potential for collisions with more drivers on the interstate.
The I-5 mainline and some of the on- and off-ramps in Skagit County do not meet current state and federal design standards, which have changed since the interstate was first built more than 40 years ago. The on- and off-ramps are short, making it difficult for drivers to enter and exit I-5 safely.
The operation of I-5 and the on- and off-ramps are also impacted by traffic volume increases on local roads. Congestion on local streets connecting to the interstate are contributing to backups and delays on I-5 ramps and the mainline.
I-5, including interchanges and the connected local roads, needs to be modified in order to increase safety and help relieve congestion, especially with the growth anticipated in this area of Skagit County.
The End Result
The result of this effort will be a plan that makes recommendations to improve safety and help relieve congestion from SR 534 in Conway (exit 221) to the Cook Road Interchange (exit 232) in Skagit County. We are developing the Master Plan with input from local public agencies and the community.
The I-5 - Conway to Cook Interstate Master Plan will be completed by mid 2008. As funding becomes available, we will make improvements at the highest priority locations first and focus on projects that improve safety.
Project Benefits
- Safety: The Master Plan will identify improvements to I-5 and the on- and off-ramps from SR 534 to Cook Road. Improving this stretch of I-5 will enhance safety and truck mobility by providing more room for vehicles to gain speed or slow down when entering and exiting I-5.
- Congestion relief: The Master Plan will identify improvements that respond to growth and economic development in this area of Skagit County. Improving I-5 and the on- and off-ramps will allow this stretch of interstate to carry more people, freight and vehicles efficiently as the region continues to grow.
- Environment: While reconstructing on- and off-ramps, WSDOT upgrades culverts and ditches to help minimize erosion during large storms. WSDOT builds stormwater treatment facilities to filter contaminants out of highway stormwater.
What is the project timeline?
- November 16, 2006: Public open house held at Burlington High School.
- 2006 - 2007: Analyzed existing and future traffic conditions.
- 2007 - Working with local public agencies and the community to identify and prioritize improvement projects.
- 2008 - Finalize the I-5 - Conway to Cook Interstate Master Plan.
- 2010 - Begin construction on the I-5 - SR 11 Interchange and Josh Wilson Road Realignment improvement project and seek funding for other improvements identified in the Master Plan.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please feel free to send us a comment using our online comment form or contact Tom Stacey to discuss your suggestions or questions. You may also check this Web site for regular project updates.
Environmental Protection
WSDOT makes every effort to assess and minimize the environmental effects from our projects. When funding is identified for project design, WSDOT will work to reduce any identified impacts to wetlands, creeks, wildlife, rivers, and other identified environmental resources in the project area. A detailed analysis of the project's environmental effects will also be completed when funding is identified. If necessary, an appropriate plan for mitigation for those effects will be developed and documented as part of the environmental documentation and environmental permitting processes.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
WSDOT will evaluate potential improvements based on their ability to enhance driver safety. WSDOT will then prioritize the improvements recommended in the final I-5 - Conway to Cook Interstate Master Plan that reduce the number of collisions at high accident locations (HALs).
Will this project impact tribal resources?
WSDOT seeks to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan .
WSDOT will work with the Swinomish, Lummi and Upper Skagit Tribes as the Master Plan is completed.
To learn more about the tribal consultation process please visit WSDOT's Tribal Liaison page, where you'll find links to WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan and WSDOT's Tribal Consultation Policy (Adopted by the Transportation Commission on February 19, 2003).
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Manager, Tom Stacey
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98223
Phone: 360.757.5981
Email: StaceyT@wsdot.wa.gov
Communications, Dustin Terpening
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98223
Phone: 360.757.5997
Email: TerpeniD@wsdot.wa.gov
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